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satellite TV/manual dish problem
Yahoo Message Number: 58326
My 2002 MB has the manual (crankup) winegard dish installed in it (by LD).  I purchased a directtv receiver today and was going thru the screens showing the setup procedure when I came to the part about testing the satellite strength.  No matter what I tried with the elevation, azimuth, true north, transponder, etc. -- there never was a signal picked up.  The power is on, the cables are plugged in correctly (just 2 of them into the back of the receiver) and there is a clear view pointing south.  What do you suggest?  I have not used satellite tv before so not familiar with this but think that it should be picking up something (like rabbit ears??)... Calls to LD, directtv were to no avail.  thanks for your tips!

Julie Anderson 2002 26.5 MB
Re: satellite TV/manual dish problem
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 58327
Julie,

I don't know if this will help, but check to see that the sliding antenna switch in your rig is set to "cable".  This is needed for the satellite dish to send the signal to the receiver.

Mike S.
2003 26.5 MB
'06 30' TB Anniversary Edition
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] satellite TV/manual dish problem
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 58328
Julie -
 Recognize that you are aiming at a little satellite that is 25,000 miles above the equator.  Your aim must be absolutely perfect.  Close like horseshoes doesn't count for satellite TV.  If there is another dish near you, try to emulate the same direction it is pointing as a starting point.

Dick
 
Re: satellite TV/manual dish problem
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 58331
My 2002 MB has the manual (crankup) winegard dish installed in it (by LD).  I purchased a directtv receiver today and was going thru the screens showing the setup procedure when I came to the part about testing the satellite strength.  No matter what I tried with the elevation, azimuth, true north, transponder, etc. -- there never was a signal picked up.  The power is on, the cables are plugged in correctly (just 2 of them into the back of the receiver) and there is a clear view pointing south.  What do you suggest?  I have not used satellite tv before so not familiar with this but think that it should be picking up something (like rabbit ears??)... Calls to LD, directtv were to no avail.  thanks for your tips!

Julie Anderson 2002 26.5 MB
Julie,
 I would check all the simple things first, and bear with me if you've already done this:
1. Make sure your coaxial dish-to-receiver connection is tight.
2. You're getting your on-screen instructions OK, so your receiver and  tv are functional.
3. Make sure your 'north' pointer for the dish is as close to magnetic  north as you can get it.
4.Double-check your latitude/longitude position.
5. Crank the dish to the settings for elevation and direction as given  on the on-screen guide for the latitude and longitude of your position.
6. Go outside and make sure you have an unobstructed view of the sky  in the direction your dish is now pointed.
7. Go back inside, and using the on-screen 'set-up', choose 'signal  meter' so you have an audible and visual indication of a satellite  signal. You will probably be on Transponder 1 on Satellite 101A. If  not you can use the remote to choose it manually. Turn up the tv  volume enough to hear the broadcast tone.
 8 Starting a few degrees below the advised dish elevation, rotate the  dish slowly in an arc several degrees from one side to the next,  watching the screen and/or listening for an audible change in sound.
 If there is no signal, change the elevation upwards a degree or so,  and keep repeating until you get a signal. Once you have a signal,  'tweak' the dish for elevation and direction for the strongest signal,  using the on-screen meter and broadcast tone.
9. Lock the dish rotator, and follow the on-screen instructions as the
 receiver checks itself and acquires programming information.
10. Tune to your desired channel, have a big drink, and reflect on your success...

Will

PS Barring some mis-wiring problem (there was on mine), this should have gotten you up and running. Once you get familiar with the procedure, the usual set-up time is only a couple of minutes.